

#1297
Mentioned in 19 episodes
The Death of Ivan Ilych
Book • 1886
The Death of Ivan Ilych, published in 1886, is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the existential crisis of its protagonist.
Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life.
The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living.
Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold.
Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments.
Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life.
The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living.
Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold.
Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments.
Mentioned by




























Mentioned in 19 episodes
Mentioned by 

in relation to the story of Ivan Ilyich and his confrontation with mortality.


James Hollis

159 snips
Why Your Dreams Matter, How To Discover Your Purpose & The Question That Many Of Us Ignore At Our Peril with Dr James Hollis #540
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book he recommends to start with.

Anjan Katta

118 snips
16: Anjan Katta - A Sunrise Over Computing
Mentioned by 

during a conversation about themes explored in the show.


Dichen Lachman

68 snips
S2E7: Chikhai Bardo (with Dichen Lachman and Jessica Lee Gagné)
Mentioned by 

and 

during a discussion about Tolstoy's works and their impact on writing.


Sam Harris


George Saunders

34 snips
#372 — Life & Work
Mentioned by 

and ![undefined]()

as one of Tolstoy's greatest works.


Tyler Cowen

Dana Gioia

31 snips
Dana Gioia on Becoming an Information Billionaire
Mentioned by 

as an example of a person who lived a life dictated by societal expectations, only to confront his mortality and question his choices.


James Hollis

31 snips
James Hollis: Jung, Fear, and the Journey to Self-Discovery
Mentioned by 

as an example of a story about a man who questions his life after a significant event.


James Hollis

31 snips
#598: Journeying From the First to the Second Half of Life
Mentioned by 

as an example of a character who achieves self-awareness at the end of his life.


James Hollis

26 snips
Episode 138: James Hollis

Thomas Banks

19 snips
Episode 288: Literary Milestones
Mentioned by 

in the context of Heidegger's discussion of death and its relation to the death of others.


Simon Critchley

Episode 11: Death
Discussed by 

and ![undefined]()

as a counterpart to *Master and Man*, highlighting the exploration of meaninglessness and the absence of answers in life.


Agnes Callard

O. Henry

Agnes Callard: what is the value of fiction?
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in reference to his novel 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich', which explores themes of mortality and the meaning of life.

Justin Smith-Ruiu

A philosopher's psychedelic encounter with reality
Considered by ![undefined]()

as the greatest existential novel ever written.

Gordon Marino

#635: The Existentialist's Survival Guide
Mentioned by David Anders to illustrate a point about coming to faith late in life, referencing the character Ivan Illich.

Killing Jesus Again and Again?
Mentioned by a listener when discussing books that explore themes of death and the afterlife.

‘Severance’ Season 2, Episode 7 With ‘Lost’ Cocreator Damon Lindelof
Mentioned by 

as a book that explores the life of a man facing a terminal illness and the lack of support from his family.


John Connaughton

Private Equity Master 2: John Connaughton – Bain Capital (Capital Allocators, EP.201)
Mentioned by 

as another story by Tolstoy, focusing on the disconnect between a character's self-perception and reality.


Russ Roberts

Richard Gunderman on Greed, Adam Smith, and Leo Tolstoy
Mentioned by 

to illustrate a point about God's judgment and the possibility of last-minute repentance.


David Anders

Only God is Timeless
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book used in medical schools to encourage reflection on real-life scenarios.

Raya Kheirbek

Episode #14: Curisoity & Narrative Medicine - with Dr. Raya Kheirbek
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a work that his mother suggested he read.

Thomas Kemple

Thomas Kemple, “Intellectual Work and the Spirit of Capitalism: Weber’s Calling” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014)